Calcutta: On Thursday, when India take on Guam in the return leg match of the World Cup qualification, things will not be easy for the hosts. Having already lost the away match 1-2, defender Arnab Mondal, on Monday, said the visitors will enjoy an "edge" when the two teams meet at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore.

"We are in a positive frame of mind. We aim to take something out of this match," he said. "But Guam are on seven points and there is no doubt that they have an edge," he added.

Arnab, an Atletico de Kolkata mainstay in defence, joined the national team in Bangalore after ATK's home loss against NorthEast United FC, and spoke to reporters at the team hotel on Monday.

Looking back at India's 1-2 loss to Guam, he said: "We were not up to the mark. People may talk about the weather, the ground conditions in Guam. But simply put, they were better than us on that day," he said.

"International football is played at a much higher intensity," he added, "Our team has many youngsters and we need to be patient and give them time to settle down."

The reliable defender added: "Players of the Guam team have been together for three years and are now reaping the benefits. They never depend on individual brilliance and stress more on team work... On top of that they have had positive results and they are high on confidence."

India have till now lost all the five matches they have played in the qualifiers. Asked if the players needed to be motivated, Arnab said: "To get a call up for the national team is the biggest motivation for any player... There's a reason why the 25 players have been picked by the coach. Had we not been good, we wouldn't have been here."